World Cup 2018: Fifa to take action against illegal free stream channel beoutQ

It is unclear who owns or operates the channel

Football's governing body Fifa said on Wednesday it has sought legal counsel with the view of taking action against Saudi Arabian television channel beoutQ, for continuing to illegally broadcast the 2018 World Cup.

Fifa last month warned that it was exploring all options to stop the infringement of its rights over beoutQ's airing of the opening games of the World Cup taking place in Russia.

Saudi Arabia says beoutQ is not based in the kingdom and that it has "relentlessly" combated the channel's activities and is committed to protecting international property rights.

"Fifa has observed that the pirate entity named 'beoutQ' continues to use illegally the 2018 Fifa World Cup broadcast signal," the governing body said in a statement.

"Accordingly Fifa has engaged counsel to take legal action in Saudi Arabia and is working alongside other sports rights owners that have also been affected to protect its interest."

BeoutQ could not be reached for comment. It is unclear who owns or operates the channel.

Qatar-based beIN Sports holds the rights to broadcast the 2018 World Cup in the Middle East and North Africa. It is blocked in Saudi Arabia under a trade and diplomatic boycott imposed on Qatar a year ago.

"Fifa urges the authorities of Saudi Arabia and of the different countries where these illegal activities have been observed to support us in the fight against piracy," the statement said.